News Release

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Officer-Involved-Shooting in 77th Division NRF032-17bm

Update

The officer involved in the OIS has been
identified as Police Officer III Michael Coblentz, Serial No.
37376.

**The following information is based on a
preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as
investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic
records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department's
understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as
additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

On May 13, 2017, around 7 p.m., uniformed officers from LAPD's
Metropolitan Division were working in 77th Division. The officers
observed a suspect, later identified as Corey Harden, running
through Harvard Park, located at 62nd Street and Denker Avenue. The
officers attempted to make contact with Harden, who continued to
run, clutching his right front pant pocket. Harden removed a pistol
from his right front pant pocket and began to turn toward the
officers, which ultimately resulted in an OIS. Harden was not
struck and threw his pistol over a fence and continued to run from
the officers. The officers set up a perimeter, where Harden was
later arrested after a short stand-off.

No officers were injured and a semiautomatic handgun was recovered
at scene.

LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to
the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic
evidence. FID will also review and collect all available body worn
and digital in car video. The Office of the Inspector General and
the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office had a
representative at the scene.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police
and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use
of deadly force complied with LAPD's policies and procedures. The
Los Angeles District Attorney's Office will also review the
evidence collected during the investigation to determine whether
any criminal laws were violated.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged
to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:

During business hours at (213) 486-5230 or non-business hours or on
weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247) Anonymously 24-hours a
day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by
texting "LAPD" and your tip to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S);
or Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on "Anonymous Web
Tips.